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Description

This 1966 Ford Fairlane 500XL is one of those cars that's love at first sight. Classic colors, a thumping 390, and a fresh paint job add up to a fantastic piece of alternative Ford muscle with exactly the right attitude for those of you who have outgrown your Mustang fascination.

Ford built a lot of performance hardware in the '60s, but the Fairlane neatly bisects the luxury/muscle segment with a handsome look and an upscale air. With a nice paint job that's less than a year old, this big red coupe definitely attracts attention. The Fairlane hardtop has a sleek look that's complemented by the vertically-stacked headlights, making it look like it's lunging forward even when it's sitting still. The clean sheetmetal is in extremely good shape and thanks to professionals at work during the paint process, everything lines up very, very well. The finish is shiny the way only modern paints can be, and those massive rear quarter panels are laser-straight with crisp relief lines. Details like the hood pins and chrome inserts with '390' callouts make the car look racy without being overbearing and the stance is just about perfect. Bright chrome bumpers were reinstalled, the stainless was polished, and Ford's impressively ornate taillights give it a big car look.

The handsome code 86 black interior is this Fairlane's original color and it was also given a bit of a facelift in the not-too-distant past. It kept its factory-issued bucket seats, which were wrapped in a new vinyl seat covers with correct stitching and the rear seat was upholstered to match. Simple door panels with a few bits of bright stainless trim remind you that the Fairlane 500 was not an inexpensive car and they go well with the handsome steering wheel with a half horn ring. New carpets with matching floor mats, a taut headliner, and a center console with controls for the aftermarket A/C system all make this a car that's easy to drive anywhere, anytime. The instrument panel covers the basics so they added a pair of auxiliary dials underneath, keeping an eye on temperature and oil pressure. The original AM radio is gone, neatly replaced by an AM/FM stereo unit that fits like it was born there. The massive trunk has plenty of space as well as a reproduction mat that fits well.

Although it originally came with a C-code 289, this Fairlane now packs 390 cubic inches under the hood, so it does more than just look fast. With seemingly endless reserves of big block torque, it takes a light touch on the accelerator to keep from turning the rear tires into expensive smoke. The engine bay is nicely detailed and slightly modified, but there's no mistaking the Ford DNA running through it. An open-element air cleaner is obviously not stock, but does wear a reproduction decal as a nod towards the purists. Ford Blue paint and chrome valve covers look fantastic against the satin black inner fenders and firewall, and the modern A/C system is neatly installed. It starts easily with a baritone burble from the twin tailpipes out back and given how clean it is underneath, it's easy to see why a full tear-down was unnecessary. A rugged C6 3-speed automatic transmission feeds the usual heavy-duty Ford rear end and it rolls on classic styled steel wheels with white-letter radials for the period-perfect look.

This car is a big deal for Ford fans and everyone who sees it will think it cost thousands more than it does. When you're ready to take your muscle car to the next level, this is the way to do it. Call today!